My wife went in to Carphone Warehouse to get a PAYG mobile for her 91 year old mum - so she could ring us in an emergency if she couldn't get to her landline for any reason - was persuaded by the manager that a contract would be a better option - and yes shouldn't be a problem with getting a signal where she lived - my wife signed up for an 18 month contract to make it easier for my mum in law . You can guess when we got back to our house put the phone together - couldn't get a signal 
took it round to mum in law's house - again no signal ! she kept it for a day or two but still no signal - we were away for a week and when we came back took it back to Carphone Warehouse to seek advice - they said as the 14 day period had expired ( by 3 days ) - we pointed out my wife was never told about this 14 day period we would have to contact iD Mobile who the contract was with - tried this and after 40 min wait trying to get through unsuccessfully - then emailing them they finally responded saying we should take it up with Carphone Warehouse - after numerous emails and visits to the shop with each referring to the other culminating in a condescending nobhead saying " well sir your wife did sign the contract with the terms and conditions and ignorance is not an excuse " :x :x As the phone was useless we cancelled the contract and my wife was charged the remainder of the 18 month contract as an early cancellation penalty fee
so went down the formal complaint procedure and finally Ombudsman's Office - who were brilliant - took the case on and appointed an investigator - found in our favour and ordered iD mobile to refund all monies paid as invalid charges plus £50 goodwill payment for the inconvenience and a letter of apology - a total of nearly £200 - still took a while to get the cheque but finally got it after nearly 7 months - the Ombudsman also pointed out Carphone Warehouse own iD mobile - well that's a surprise ( not ).
Moral of this long winded story - never give up
took it round to mum in law's house - again no signal ! she kept it for a day or two but still no signal - we were away for a week and when we came back took it back to Carphone Warehouse to seek advice - they said as the 14 day period had expired ( by 3 days ) - we pointed out my wife was never told about this 14 day period we would have to contact iD Mobile who the contract was with - tried this and after 40 min wait trying to get through unsuccessfully - then emailing them they finally responded saying we should take it up with Carphone Warehouse - after numerous emails and visits to the shop with each referring to the other culminating in a condescending nobhead saying " well sir your wife did sign the contract with the terms and conditions and ignorance is not an excuse " :x :x As the phone was useless we cancelled the contract and my wife was charged the remainder of the 18 month contract as an early cancellation penalty fee so went down the formal complaint procedure and finally Ombudsman's Office - who were brilliant - took the case on and appointed an investigator - found in our favour and ordered iD mobile to refund all monies paid as invalid charges plus £50 goodwill payment for the inconvenience and a letter of apology - a total of nearly £200 - still took a while to get the cheque but finally got it after nearly 7 months - the Ombudsman also pointed out Carphone Warehouse own iD mobile - well that's a surprise ( not ).
Moral of this long winded story - never give up
North West Surrey
North Yorkshire